Source: http://www.webhandprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2015-forbes-socia…
Do you ever find yourself getting moaned at by your parents for spending too much time on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram etc.? It normally ends with statements like “back in my day, we actually used to speak to each other” or “why do you need to publicize your whole life?” To a certain degree, these statements are correct, however you can’t deny that social media definitely has its benefits.
1. Keeping In Touch
Any one will tell you that I’m terrible at keeping in touch with people. Strangely, one of my favorite ways to stay in contact is through Snapchat, purely because it feels like I know what my friends have been doing for the past few months, and I can bring that up the next time I see them. It’s also hilarious seeing all of my British friends’ going-out Snapchat stories.
2. What’s in the News?
Now that I’m in college, between 1001 extracurriculars and demanding classes, it’s definitely a lot harder to check out what’s happening in the world. I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve gone at least half a semester without checking the news. A bomb could have literally gone off in the city next to me and I probably couldn’t tell you about it. But, never fear! I find that going through Facebook and Twitter allows me to see what the most important news stories are. More than that, I love reading different people’s viewpoints on current affairs.
3. Discovery
Everyone moans that no one posts statuses anymore on Facebook; all they do is post videos. This is true. However, I actually love scrolling through my feed before I go to sleep. There are truly some talented people out there, that I probably never would have seen, or heard, if it wasn’t for social media. That is, if we’re counting YouTube as a social media site! I’m definitely guilty of spending hours watching cover videos for one song. Tip – I highly recommend Radio 1 Live Lounge.
4. Personal Assistant
I know this is a very millennial thing to say, but how did people function without events on Facebook? It’s a much simpler way to get everyone organized and is also a great form of advertising if you’re throwing a large-scale event. I also love the fact that I get a reminder of ‘what I’m doing that day’ by Facebook each morning – no FOMO for me. Oh, let’s also not forget the handy birthday reminders; let’s face it – you would probably forget otherwise.
5. Archive/Art
I love looking through Instagram and seeing all the beautiful things that people are doing. I see my Instagram as a personal art gallery of my favorite memories. In years’ time, I can look back and say “Oh, that’s when I we had dinner at that place and ended up talking all night”. Basically, some people write diaries; I Instagram.
Source: http://firmowo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/bigstock-Happy-woman-using…
Of course, social media isn’t perfect; there are countless examples of how you can abuse it. I respect when people aren’t on it out of personal choice, however, as long as it’s used as a positive force, I am proud to say that I love social media.